Mario's Dad Turns 54

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One part Peter Pan, two parts Da Vinci.

By Patrick Kolan

This is less a news piece and more a quiet salute to a man who has consistently shaped the video gaming paradigm for humanity since the early 80s. He nearly invented the platforming genre, created a stable of timeless and iconic characters, is a loving father and has a taste for gardening and banjo playing.

Mister Shigeru Miyamoto, take a bow sir. On this, the glorious occasion of your 54th year of life, may IGN take a moment to wish you well.

Thank you for providing us with innumerable hours of consistently fun, challenging and inventive gaming. Nintendo would be a shell of a company without your guidance, and heck, they might not exist at all without your timely intervention.

So, Miyamoto-san, have a slice of cake or a glass of warm sake on us. Maybe both, even. Go wild. Happy birthday - and here's to many more years of your gaming goodness.